MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
The mountain gorilla is highly social and lives in relatively stable, cohesive groups held together by long-term bonds between adult males and females.
The dominant silver back generally determines the movements of the group, leading it to appropriate feeding sites throughout the year. He also mediates conflicts within the group and protects it from external threats. When the group is attacked by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, the silver back will protect them even at the cost of his own life. He is the center of attention during rest sessions and young gorillas frequently stay close to him and include him in their games. If a mother dies or leaves the group, the silver back is usually the one who looks after her abandoned offspring, even allowing them to sleep in his nest. When the silver back dies or is killed by disease, accident, or poachers, the family group may be disrupted. Unless there is an accepted male descendant capable of taking over his position, the group will either split up or adopt an unrelated male. When a new silver back joins the family group, he may kill all of the infants of the dead silver back.
Comments
Post a Comment